veterans: Pearl Harbor and the One-Puka-Puka (100th) Infantry Battalion - 12/07/15 03:20 AM

The town of Hanalei here on Kauai's north shore had a large Japanese population in the 1940's. Most of the older men had immigrated to the islands to work in the sugar plantations, bringing their families with them as part of their contract or sending for them when they had earned enough to afford passage.
When their work contracts with the plantation were finished they could leave the plantation and choose a different lifestyle. Many did, often turning to rice farming which was familiar and well suited to the island's climate. Along with raising produce and fishing this provided ample food for their families … (6 comments)

veterans: Remembering Military FAMILIES on Memorial Day - 05/22/15 08:56 AM

Gratitude for all who serve our country
and for all who support them
 
My father served in the Navy during a war, my husband in the army during another war, and many Americans have relatives serving now in some area of conflict. Memorial Day is and should be about our veterans both past and present, but for me it is also about their families.
All of the parents, spouses and children of our veterans sacrifice much in their daily lives while their loved ones are on tour. Thankfully most do not face the ultimate sacrifice but they all live with that possibility too.
This weekend let's salute all who … (6 comments)

veterans: Remember Pearl Harbor and all our Veterans - 12/07/14 04:20 AM

Pearl Harbor on Oahu, Hawaii
 
On December 7th, 1941 the Japanese made a surprise attack on the United States, striking one of the nation's major naval and military bases at Pearl Harbor and other areas of the island of Oahu.
That action was cited by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his address to Congress the next day, his famed "Day of Infamy" speech in which he asked Congress to declare a state of war with Japan. Congress voted and declared war immediately following the President's speech, and on December 8th the United States officially entered World War II.
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veterans: Helping Veterans Come Home - 11/16/14 04:33 AM

I recently blogged (see Some Veterans Get A FREE Home) about Operation Homefront as a topic to mark Veterans Day. People asked about the program and because it does relate to our field I thought it would be useful for those who are interested to have more information about it. I'll share a link to the primary website at the bottom of this brief blog.
Operation Homefront states that their mission is "to help our warriors and their families realize their own American dreams". One of the biggest dreams is home ownership, a dream that is often out-of-reach for our veterans. This organization … (14 comments)

veterans: Some Veterans Get A FREE Home - 11/10/14 07:24 AM

 
This is a shout out to all our veterans and to a company that's making a positive difference in some of their lives. You've probably seen something in your area about this and today is a good time to remember both those who serve and the folks that serve them in various ways.
 
In the past 20 months, through their Operation Home Front program, Wells Fargo Home Loans has donated 162 properties that were awarded to veterans throughout the United States. 
 
What a great way to give back to our men and women who have served in … (19 comments)